Stolen goods duo sentenced

John Grange-Smith, 25, and Aiden McGhie, 18, took the property to a cash convertor store in Lincoln after travelling from Gainsborough by train.

Lincoln Crown Court heard both items had been taken during a daytime burglary in Frampton Terrace, Gainsborough, earlier the same day.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, said Grange-Smith had given his real name at the cash convertor store and was given a price of £150 for the two items.

When police made inquiries and arrested Grange-Smith at an address in Nicholson Terrace, Gainsborough, he also had a small amount of cannabis.

McGhie was arrested at his address in Springthorpe Road, Gainsborough, where police discovered £3,000 in cash.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, defending, said there was no evidence either man had been involved in the burglary.

“These two say they were in Gainsborough when they were approached by a man who could not pay his rent and sold them these items which they took to Lincoln,” he added.

Mr Cranmer-Brown said McGhie found the £3,000 cash in a wood but realised it probably came from a criminal source.

Both men admitted handling stolen goods on 25th July last year. Grange-Smith admitted possessing cannabis and McGhie admitted possessing criminal property.

The judge sentenced Grange-Smith to six months in prison suspended for 12 months, 120 hours unpaid work and 12 months probation supervision.

McGhie was sentenced to four months youth custody suspended for 12 months and a 12 months probation supervision.